Goodwill Overview

Starting in 1959, Goodwill South Florida has become a significant support system, for people with disabilities. There are 4.5 million people, in Broward and Miami Dade counties, 3.5 million of whom are working age. 12.3% of this population has a developmental, intellectual, or physical disability. That is an extraordinary, 460,000 people, 82% of whom are not working, compared to only 37% of the non-disabled population. 25% of this disabled population, lives below the poverty line, another startling difference, from the non-disabled population.

Because of this great disparity, Goodwill's mission is focused on people with disabilities. Our mission is, Training, employment and job placement for people with disabilities and other barriers to work, transitioning individuals, to independence and productivity. We execute on that mission, every day, with businesses people know, and others that they have never heard of. Beyond Donated Goods and Stores, those include making uniforms for our military, interment flags for our military veterans, providing cleaning services for our Federal, State, and Local Buildings, and a brand new laundry, to wash the linens of some of our largest hospitals.

The proceeds from these businesses are a major support system for our community, by providing more than 3,000 jobs to people in South Florida, 50% of whom have a disability. We have been cited as one of the best examples, of Social Entrepreneurship in the US, with 95% of our revenue coming from entrepreneurial activities. We are also one of the most cost-effective non-profits in the US, with only 4% of our cost going to management overhead, and 96% going to direct programs, that support people with disabilities. Both of these achievements earn Goodwill South Florida, a 3-star Charity Navigator rating, awarded to only those charities that meet the highest standards of efficiency, governance, public accountability, and transparency.